Forty-Fifth Theory [Voice/Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Donatello doesn't notice the announcement when it's made, and even after someone shows it to him, he won't bother addressing the 'commandant'. Instead, he'll send a locked message to someone much more important.]

Robert...

[Some time later, he'll add one more locked message.]

Kay, I think I'm going to have to reschedule.

Comments

[ninjacane]

[Splinter's shoulders relax a bit. Somehow, he isn't surprised. But he seems both annoyed and slightly amused.]

I suppose your mind was otherwise occupied at the time.

[i_speak_softly]

[A sheepish smile, trying to capitalize on the "slightly amused" part. Just an honest mistake from your distractible son, Master Splinter.]

When isn't it?

[ninjacane]

[Splinter shakes his head and still seems to be somewhat amused.]

This is true.

[And then he grows serious.]

But next time, you will inform me when you will be spending the night.

[i_speak_softly]

[He might get away with this after all. Don bows his head contritely.]

Hai, Sensei.

[ninjacane]

[Oh, Splinter's still mulling a punishment over. But he's also learning slowly to let go.]

In this place, we cannot let our guard down. It is not our home, even as we make friends and forge relationships. The Malnosso cannot be trusted, and they can take us at any time. We must be careful to communicate properly with each other regarding our whereabouts, especially at night.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don nods, accepting the point. To him it's just one night, but to his family it's the uncertainty of not knowing whether they'll see him in the morning.]

[ninjacane]

I know that you were enthralled by the... "heat of the moment", but if you ever do this again...

[DUN DUN. Extra serious face.]

... You will be in very deep trouble for a very long time.

[Secret: ... Splinter's finally decided not to punish him and is now screwing with him. Not that Donatello would ever know....]

[i_speak_softly]

Y-yes, Sensei!

[He'll never do it again he swears.]

[... The not-telling-you part, that is. The other part... Well.]

[ninjacane]

[Splinter straightens, looking satisfied. He knows Donatello will go "spend the night" with Robert again, but he will consider the worry it'll cause his family if he doesn't tell them. That's all that Splinter wants.]

Then it is settled.

[That can be either interpreted as a dismissal or a topic change, depending on how you feel, Donatello.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Topic change. Splinter promised yesterday that he would help Don get ready for the battle, and Don is ready to take him up on that offer now.]

Will you meditate with me, Master Splinter?

[ninjacane]

[Splinter does not have to think, and he nods, shifting into a better position for meditation.]

Of course, my son.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don too settles into a better position and, centering his newly-strengthened chi, sinks into meditation.]

[ninjacane]

[Splinter smiles softly for a moment as he begins to sink into meditation as well.

For all the things that have changed, there are some things that will always remain the same.]